Dr. Darryl S. Diggs, Jr. is a passionate and innovative educator who builds learning online environments designed to enhance individual student needs.
Dr. Diggs started his career in education as a middle school science teacher and was heavily involved in inquiry-based learning and providing meaningful extracurricular opportunities for students. In 2010, Dr. Diggs earned his Master of Educational Administration from MBU. Later on he transitioned into an assistant principal role at Parkway high school, it was during this time where his focus became to share his motto with students: “Be great and serve others.”
While leading student activities programs and student exchange opportunities for Parkway high school, Dr. Diggs desired to provide professional development for teachers through technology, and student engagement through cooperative learning. In 2018 and 2019, Dr. Diggs presented to a diverse audience at the Midwest Education Technology Conference (METC) on the impact of Reaching/Teaching our Generation Z and how to positively change the culture of schools through technology.
Also, in 2019, Dr. Diggs accepted an invitation from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) to share his strategies for galvanizing social media to support positive school culture. Currently, Dr. Diggs writes for a personal blog to address the art of teaching and learning and is the co-founder of Black Male Educators of St. Louis (BMESTL). This organization was created for people and organizations who are interested in the recruitment, development, support, and mentoring of current and future Black educators. Starting in the 2020-2021 school year, Dr. Diggs will become the building principal for Hardin Middle School in the St. Charles City School District.
1. What or who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
I was inspired to pursue education for its impact on the lives of young people. Early in my life, I learned of the passion and unwavering commitment my grandparents had as teachers in Memphis city schools. Growing up, my siblings and I would spend countless hours supporting our mother in her classroom as an elementary school teacher. Her patience and servant spirit stuck with me and guided me to continue the legacy of teaching and learning.
2. How did your experience at MBU influence your life and worldview?
Missouri Baptist University impacted my life deeply with rich experiences from world-class professors. In each class I took, every assignment I completed and every project I created, I was able to transfer the learning into my school building immediately. In an expanding community of diverse learners with hyper-speed capabilities, MBU was always on the edge of providing greatness for their students. I am forever grateful.
3. What would you say to someone who is looking to enter the education field?
If you are looking to pursue a higher position in the field of education, I would encourage everyone to build relationships in the classroom and strengthen your professional learning network. There are so many ways to learn, grow and expand your knowledge, plus your reach around the globe. Education has been the vehicle for being an effective change agent for students and collaborator for my teachers and staff.
4. What is the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career has been my relationships with my stakeholders. I have had students grow by leaps and bounds and then return as service members for our country. Every year, my exchange students blossom into connected learners of the American culture and become ambassadors of their countries. My teachers and staff are incredible. I am a beneficiary of their work with our students. With that said, by far, the most rewarding day of my career came when I saw a student who fell on hard times and had a long history of abysmal circumstances. Through perseverance, he graduated from high school with a promise to join the Navy.
5. How did your time at MBU prepare you for your career?
My time spent at MBU catapulted my career into where I am and the purpose I am living. I have dedicated my career to the voices of young people and advocating for the connection and recruitment of current and future educators. Missouri Baptist University provided me an impactful education that assisted my work as a teacher and laid the foundation for my ability to grasp systems thinking, leadership development and advocacy for equity.
6. What piece of advice or guidance would you like to provide to students Considering an education degree at MBU?
If you are considering a career in education, please understand that you have a unique opportunity to affect people. The positive interaction and relationships they have with you can change them forever. You have the ability to catapult a young person in the stratosphere and unleash their ideas into the world. You also have the incredible responsibility to hold hands, give hugs, lift spirits, be vulnerable, courageous, and a champion for all who are in your presence. We also have an opportunity to do nothing at all. Your presence and your care will liberate others. I promise.
Are you interested in earning your Masters of Educational Administration? Starting this summer, MBU's Master of Educational Administration will be offered 100% ONLINE. Learn more about the program here.
